Nursing (ADN), AAS

Program Start Date: Fall, Spring, or Summer term
Minimum Program Length: 96 academic weeks; 6 consecutive terms, day or late afternoons; 68 credits
Program ID: AAS.ADN
Curriculum Code: 35208

Program Description

The Associate Degree in Applied Sciences-Nursing (ADN) curriculum prepares individuals to assume responsibilities as direct health care providers in a variety of health care settings. The program is designed to help students integrate nursing principles and theories with the sciences to utilize the nursing process in the practice of holistic nursing. The focus of nursing is on health promotion, maintenance, curative, restorative, supportive, and terminal care to individuals and groups of all ages while taking into consideration the factors that influence them in the total environment.

Practical Experience

Students gain interpersonal, comprehensive critical thinking and technical skills through clinical rotations in affiliated hospitals, clinics, physicians’ offices, health care facilities, and lab simulations.

Professional Opportunities

Registered nurses practice in hospitals, clinics, physicians’ offices, long term care facilities and community agencies.

Unique Aspects

Weighted admission criteria is used in the selection of students for entry into the ADN program. Students must be able to independently lift 25 lbs. Students must maintain an 80% or higher in all nursing courses in order to progress through the program. Students will be required to demonstrate continuous competency and passing competency exams associated with certain courses within the curriculum prior to being allowed to progress to the next curriculum courses or to graduate from the program. Students who are unsuccessful at passing competency exams after a pre-determined number of attempts will not be allowed to continue in or graduate from the program regardless of previous course grades.

A criminal background investigation (CBI) and drug testing are required at student expense for each Health and Human Services student who has been accepted into a Spartanburg Community College curriculum program of study. For more information, please visit the Criminal Background Investigations and Drug Testing Policy section of the SCC webpage.

Graduates of the ADN program may apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). The ADN program has a written articulation agreement with USC-Upstate for the purpose of seamless transfer into the Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BSN) program.

Important Information for Incoming Students

Biology courses may only be attempted twice within a five (5) year period for students pursuing the ADN degree. A withdrawal is considered an attempt. Any attempt in a biology course beyond the 2nd attempt, will NOT be awarded points on the selective ranking sheet. There is a five (5) year limit on the biology courses within the curriculum and BIO 210, BIO 211, and BIO 225 must be completed by the time the student enters the program. 

EEDA Career Cluster:

Health Science

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate proficiency in psychomotor nursing interventions.
2. Utilize the conceptual framework of the nursing process to provide client-oriented care.
3. Integrate critical thinking skills into client care.
4. Demonstrate use of effective communication skills.
5. Demonstrate professional and ethical self-accountability.